Tiny threatened frogs found in WA's south

Two new populations of the threatened orange-bellied frog have been discovered in WA's south, extending its known habitat range by more than one-third.

The thumbnail-sized frogs were found in the Blackwood River National Park, south-east of Margaret River.

"The discovery of two new populations with over 50 individuals has come at a crucial time, given the other six populations have been steadily declining over the last 10 years," Department of Parks and Wildlife conservation officer Christine Fleay said.

A key part of the recovery plan for the species is collecting egg masses from wild populations, raising the young in captivity and releasing them back into the wild the following year.

Parks and Wildlife are taking measures to protect the new populations, including erosion remediation, rubbish clean-up and track redirections and closures.

"Parks and Wildlife asks the public to help protect the frogs and their highly-restricted habitat from campfire escapes, litter and sediment erosion by observing signage and only camping at the national park's designated campsites," Ms Fleay said.